General Business Law - Gabon
What the team is known for
Herbert Smith Freehills is an international law firm that is highly regarded for its presence in the francophone Africa business law sphere. The team regularly assists high-profile clients with Gabonese matters in the oil and gas and mining sectors. It is composed of seasoned specialists with valuable experience handling project financing and acquisitions in francophone Africa. The firm's broad spectrum of services also includes regulatory matters, tax cases and litigation.
Strengths
"Herbert Smith Freehills do everything to help. The team is completely available."
"Herbert Smith Freehills have a very good mastery of the Gabonese legal environment, which is why the case went well and communication was very fluid."
Work highlights
Herbert Smith Freehills acted for Genmin in connection with a rail and port infrastructure agreement with Owendo Mineral Port, concerning its Baniaka iron ore project.
Notable practitioners
Paris-based Bertrand Montembault is a renowned expert in North Africa and francophone Africa. He is esteemed for his deep understanding of the Gabonese market and has in-depth knowledge of OHADA, UEMOA and CEMAC. He is often called upon by clients to assist with infrastructure and energy projects, in addition to commercial and tax matters. "Bertrand Montembault is very proactive, responsive and competent. He is very good at managing deadlines and can do supplementary research in those tight timelines. In terms of responsiveness and delivery, he has exceptional skill which is very appreciated."